Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, India’s Chief of Naval Staff, will travel to Australia and New Zealand starting September 9, 2026, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Defence. The visit aims to strengthen naval ties between India and these two countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
What the visit will cover
In Australia, Admiral Swaminathan will meet senior officers of the Royal Australian Navy and defence officials. The discussions will examine existing naval cooperation and look for ways to improve how the two navies work together, including joint training, sharing information, and learning about each other’s technologies and military education systems. He will also visit Australian naval bases and training facilities.
The Australia leg builds on recent high-level engagements between the two countries. India and Australia held their Third Annual Summit in July 2026 and their Second Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in June 2026. Both nations have been expanding defence and maritime security cooperation.
In New Zealand, Admiral Swaminathan will have similar meetings with the Royal New Zealand Navy leadership and defence officials. The focus will be on strengthening how the two navies operate together, exchange information, and conduct joint training and professional development. He will visit New Zealand naval establishments and meet naval personnel and military education students.
India and New Zealand recently elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, confirmed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in July 2026. They agreed to deepen defence and maritime security cooperation. A Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between the two countries, recently finalised, will provide the framework for expanded practical maritime work together.
What this means for you
This visit shows how India is building closer defence partnerships with key democracies in the Indo-Pacific. Stronger naval cooperation with Australia and New Zealand helps India address shared security interests in the region and contributes to regional stability. For India, these partnerships support its maritime interests and strategic position in one of the world’s most important waters.